New Delhi: With Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India resulting in frayed relations with Bangladesh, New Delhi has reportedly set two conditions for her return to Dhaka by the end of this year.
India apparently wants the Tarique Rahman government in Bangladesh to send a military aircraft to take her back to Dhaka, BBC Bangla has reported.
New Delhi also wants the former Bangladesh prime minister, who faces a death penalty back home, to be given an opportunity to defend herself before an appeals court.
Following a massive uprising in Bangladesh, Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024. Later, she was sentenced to death in absentia by a tribunal in Dhaka. Her party, Awami League, was also banned by the interim government that took over after her departure.
While there is no official confirmation about any conditions being set, the report states that India wants the Bangladesh Army to take responsibility for taking back Hasina. New Delhi reportedly prefers that she be flown to Dhaka in a military aircraft, similar to the one she used to reach India in 2024.
India also wants Dhaka to guarantee her the right to appeal against her death sentence and face a fresh trial.
India is clearly looking for a way out of the diplomatic tangle that resulted after Hasina’s arrival. While New Delhi wants ties with Dhaka to improve, it can’t extradite her to be sent to the gallows.
According to the report, India had initially preferred that Hasina relocate to a third country rather than return to Bangladesh. However, repeated attempts to explore this option with different countries failed for various reasons.
The former Bangladesh PM has repeatedly indicated that she wants to return to Bangladesh. In an earlier interview with Reuters, Hasina said she planned to go back in December 2026, although she did not announce a specific date.
She has also acknowledged the dangers she could face upon returning, including arrest, imprisonment and threats to her life.
In an audio statement, Hasina said: “Look, I understand the risks very well. I may be arrested the moment I arrive. They may send me to prison. They may even try to kill me. I have considered all these possibilities. But, you know, I stopped worrying about my personal safety a long time ago. I returned to Bangladesh in 1981, despite military rule. I returned again in 2007, knowing that the military-backed government might arrest me. I have faced imprisonment and repeated attempts on my life. Fear has never stopped me from doing what I believe is right,”
